Eastbound I-696 traffic shift and ramp closures begin next week

TRAFFIC SHIFT AND RAMP CLOSURES: The week of Aug. 19, 2018 (Exact date will be announced later this week)

PROJECT END DATE: November 2018

PROJECT DETAILS: The second phase of rebuilding I-696 in Macomb County, known as the “Restore the Reuther” project, requires eastbound traffic to be shifted onto the newly rebuilt westbound lanes to allow for the eastbound lanes to be rebuilt. During this second phase of the project, all entrance ramps will be closed in Macomb County and the exit ramps will be limited to Dequindre Road, Mound Road, and Groesbeck Highway.

Drivers are reminded that westbound I-696 traffic remains detoured through the end of the project.

TRAFFIC IMPACT: Initially, crews will reduce eastbound I-696 traffic to one lane from M-1 (Woodward Avenue) to Dequindre Road to perform preparation work for shifting traffic across the median to the newly rebuilt westbound lanes. This work includes paint striping, moving barrier walls, and ramp closures. The work is expected to begin approximately 7:30 p.m. and be reopened with three lanes by the following morning before rush hour.

During this preparation work, the northbound and southbound I-75 ramps to eastbound I-696 will be closed and will reopen when completed.

Once eastbound I-696 traffic is shifted, the exit ramps to Dequindre Road, Mound Road, and Groesbeck Highway will be the only exits available. All entrance ramps to eastbound I-696 will be closed through the end of the project.

In Oakland County, the freeway will remain open weekdays from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. There will not be any work or closures performed this weekend but overnight work will resume Sunday evening in preparation for the weekend closure of eastbound I-696 from US-24 to I-75 the weekend of Aug. 24-27.

For additional project details, go to www.MovingMacomb.org, which will also provide updates on lane restrictions and access to businesses affected by construction.